![]() ![]() This one was too apathetic, that one over-anxious this one too slow, that one too hasty one was too sad, another over-cheerful one more simple, another more sagacious, than I desired. When I came to look about for a companion I found, strangely enough, that hardly one among my friends seemed suitable, so rarely do we meet with just the right combination of personal tastes and characteristics, even among those who are dearest to us. Let us leave this matter one side, however, and return to my mountain here, - it seems to me that a young man in private life may well be excused for attempting what an aged king could undertake without arousing criticism. I, assuredly, should not have left the question long in doubt, had that mountain been as easy to explore as this one. Pomponius Mela, the cosmographer - not to mention others who have spoken of this occurrence - admits its truth without hesitation Titus Livius, on the other hand, considers it false. Whether this be true or false I have not been able to determine, for the mountain is too far away, and writers disagree. ![]() The idea took hold upon me with especial force when, in re-reading Livy's History of Rome, yesterday, I happened upon the place where Philip of Macedon, the same who waged war against the Romans, ascended Mount Haemus in Thessaly, from whose summit he was able, it is said, to see two seas, the Adriatic and the Euxine. ![]() ![]() Consequently the mountain, which is visible from a great distance, was ever before my eyes, and I conceived the plan of some time doing what I have at last accomplished to-day. I have had the expedition in mind for many years for, as you know, I have lived in this region from infancy, having been cast here by that fate which determines the affairs of men. My only motive was the wish to see what so great an elevation had to offer. Today I made the ascent of the highest mountain in this region, which is not improperly called Ventosum. (adapted from Document 1.1 - The Ascent of Mount Ventoux, A Letter from Petrarch to Dionisio da Borgo San Sepolcro ![]()
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